Encourage Communication between Faculty and Students

At the beginning of a course, students need to understand how often you, the instructor, will log in
to the course, when and how often you will participate in the discussion area, how long it will take
for you to answer their questions, and when you will post feedback on the assignments.

Clearly State Feedback Expectations

What?

In your syllabus and/or in a topic
overview, clearly state feedback
expectations to encourage
communication between faculty and
students.

How?

Define when and how you can be
contacted via email, phone, chat,
or web conference.

State what kinds of communication
should happen over which channels.

State how long (the maximum
amount of time) it will take you
to respond to an email or phone
message.

State how often you will check into
the course discussion areas.

State what days you do not plan to
be in the course.

State how long it will take you to
post assignment feedback.

Provide clear grading criteria for
assignments.

Helpful Tips

Post current contact information and
indicate how to best communicate
with you. Some people prefer to
use email while others set up a
specific discussion area for
questions.

HINT!

I am usually available [days and times] for
questions in the Course Questions Discussion
Area, and I will be in the discussion area
throughout this time. I generally will be
offline on [days and times]. The best way to
contact me is through [best communication method]. if you post a question, I will
respond to your within [i.e., 24 or 48 hours].
If you post an assignment, I will return a
graded rubric to you within [i.e., 7 days].

REMEMBER: If you have questions about
assignments, you need to ask at least
[appropriate length of time] to ensure that
you get an answer before the due date.